BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – A goal by Plymouth State University senior Chipe Culum (Banja Luka, Bosnia/Manchester Central H.S.) in the waning minutes of the first half Saturday proved to be the game-winner as the Panthers defeated the Bears of Bridgewater State College, 2-1, in the season-opening game for both teams.

PSU took the early 1-0 lead when senior Sal Friello (West Haven, Conn.) found the back of the net in the game’s 13th minute. Bridgewater State sophomore Mike Quinn (Weymouth, Mass.) put the Bears on the scoreboard at the 32-minute mark as he connected on a direct kick from 25 yards out to tie the game at 1-1.

The Panthers reclaimed the lead for good with just under five minutes remaining in the opening stanza as Culum headed in a feed from senior Kyle Bowman (Bedford, N.H.) past the outstretched hand of the BSC goalkeeper.

Bridgewater State appeared to tie the game midway through the second half, but a goal by junior Junji Mochizuki (Shizuoka-ken, Japan) was waved off after an offsides call.

PSU senior keeper Brad Wilby (Haddonfield, N.J.) picked up the win in goal for the Panthers as he turned aside eight shots on the afternoon. Bridgewater’s John Naughton (Braintree, Mass.) took the loss for the Bears despite making nine saves.

BSC heads to Wheaton College Wednesday for a non-conference match-up, while Plymouth State returns home to host Gordon College Wednesday in the home opener at Panther Field (4:00 p.m.).